You might not know who Kevin Plank is, but at a place like Grove City College, his business is literally all around you. Kevin Plank is the creator of Under Armour. Picture this: you’re in the mid-’90s, and you’re a college football player frustrated with how sweaty and uncomfortable your workout gear is. While most of us weren’t even born yet, Plank was on a mission to revolutionize sportswear that we all know and love today. That probably makes you feel old.

Plank came up with Under Armour as the special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team, and for him, his drive is all about innovation. He didn’t just want to create a successful brand; he wanted to completely change the game. His determination to make high-performance, moisture-wicking athletic gear fueled Under Armour’s rise to the top. And as I’m sure you’ve guessed, it worked. Plank’s drive is a reminder that passion and a desire to make things better can be your biggest assets.

Plank’s idea is both simple and genius. Plank saw a gap in the market for gear that would help athletes perform at their best, and be (relatively) comfortable while doing it. Enter Under Armour with its moisture-wicking fabric and compression technology. It’s not just sportswear; it’s a true game-changer for athletes, and that’s what sets Plank’s idea apart. In terms of entrepreneurial traits, Plank’s got determination written all over him. Starting a business is tough, especially when you’re going up against industry giants like Nike and adidas. But Plank didn’t back down; he pushed through initial financial struggles and production setbacks. That kind of resilience is something any athlete can relate to.

But we see now Plank isn’t focused only on sportswear; he’s all about adapting and staying ahead. His partnerships with athletes and ventures into digital fitness tech show that being an entrepreneur means keeping an eye on trends and thinking outside the box. We see this with the Under Armour MapMyFitness apps that track a wide variety of activities, from running to pickleball.

Learning from Plank isn’t just about business; it’s a life lesson. The importance of pushing boundaries, facing challenges head-on, and fostering a culture of innovation are principles that resonate with me, as myself and my peers navigate a world that sometimes feels as uncertain as our post-grad plans. As we close out the semester with last-minute assignments, late-night study sessions in preparation for finals, and dreams of the future, Kevin Plank’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about a degree or a job. It’s about daring to dream, being relentless in your pursuits, and, most importantly, staying true to your vision. Some of us could probably take a page from Kevin Plank’s playbook as we navigate the exciting, unpredictable journey that is life. 🙂